5 Days on the Amtrak Through Nebraska

Day 1: Omaha

Your journey begins in Omaha, where the California Zephyr drops you near the city’s historic Old Market District. Check in to a nearby hotel like Moxy Omaha, The Omaha Magnolia Hotel or Hilton Omaha, all within walking distance or a quick ride-share from the station.

Fuel up with a caffeinated beverage and a pastry from Howlin’ Hounds Coffee of Café Postale, then explore The Durham Museum, located right across the street inside Omaha’s beautifully restored former Union Station.

In the afternoon, stroll to The RiverFront, a green downtown space with skyline views, walking trails and art installations. For dinner, grab inventive comfort food at Block 16 or head to The Drover for a classic Nebraska steakhouse experience.

Day 2: Lincoln

Hop back on the Zephyr and ride to Lincoln, Nebraska’s capital city. From the station, it’s a 10-minute walk to hotels like Graduate Lincoln or Hilton Garden Inn.

Start your visit in the Historic Haymarket District with coffee at The Mill. This revitalized warehouse district is packed with boutiques, galleries and local eats. Treat yourself at Ivanna Cone, then walk to the Nebraska State Capitol for a free tour and panoramic views from the top.

For lunch or dinner, try Lazlo’s Brewery & Grill for hearty food and house-brewed beer, or opt for a more refined evening at Dish, known for its seasonal, locally inspired dishes. Lincoln’s downtown and Haymarket district are easy to explore on foot.

Day 3: Hastings

Next stop: Hastings, the birthplace of Kool-Aid. The Spanish Colonial-style station places you right in the heart of downtown.

Start your day at Back Alley Bakery, where locals gather for coffee, quiche and fresh-baked pastries. Then, spend the morning at the Hastings Museum, home to natural history exhibits, vintage vehicles and a tribute to Edwin Perkins, inventor of Kool-Aid.

Afterward, wander through local shops, relax in Highland Park or browse the shelves at Small Town Famous. Enjoy lunch or dinner at Odyssey, known for creative takes on comfort food or grab a beer at First Street Brewing Co.

Hastings offers several vacation rentals located right downtown, giving you a chance to stay like a local with everything in easy walking distance.

Day 4: Holdrege

All Aboard! Holdrege is the next stop and the smallest town on the route, but it’s big on charm. The station is centrally located, with the Cobblestone Inn & Suites just a few blocks away.

Grab breakfast at Coal & Feed Coffee and Vittle, then take a self-guided walk through the Midtown Sculpture Garden and Bronze Sculpture Tour. Browse local antique shops or unwind at North Park, a quiet green space nearby.

Enjoy a meal at The Speakeasy, a local favorite for comfort food with a twist, and wrap up the day with a drink at Lost Way Brewery, known for its laid-back vibe and creative brews.

Day 5: McCook

Your final stop in Nebraska is McCook, where the train drops you close to downtown. Lodging is just a short walk away, with options like the Chief Motel or locally hosted vacation rentals.

Start the morning with coffee and a treat from Embers Balery & Cafe, then stroll by Nebraska’s only Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home. A few blocks away, the Senator George Norris State Historic Site offers insight into the life of the progressive leader who helped modernize rural America.

Spend your afternoon relaxing in Kelley Park or exploring nearby trails. End your journey with dinner and a pint at the Station Taphouse & Eatery, perfectly themed for finishing off your rail-inspired journey through Nebraska.

Return to Omaha

Board the California Zephyr once more and enjoy the scenic train ride back across Nebraska. Reflect on five days of relaxed discovery through Nebraska train travel, complete with local flavor, charming small-town stories and unforgettable Midwest landscapes, all from the comfort of your railcar.